Multiple Choice
According to the kinetic molecular theory, how do the molecules of a gas behave?
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7. Gases
Kinetic Molecular Theory
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According to the kinetic molecular theory, how does the rate of diffusion of a gas relate to the speed of its molecular motion?
A
The rate of diffusion decreases as the speed of molecular motion increases.
B
The rate of diffusion is independent of the speed of molecular motion.
C
The rate of diffusion increases as the speed of molecular motion increases.
D
The rate of diffusion is always the same for all gases, regardless of molecular speed.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the kinetic molecular theory explains the behavior of gases in terms of the motion of their molecules, where molecular speed is related to temperature and molecular mass.
Understand that diffusion is the process by which gas molecules spread from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration due to their random motion.
Recognize that the rate of diffusion depends on how fast the molecules move; faster molecular motion means molecules travel greater distances in a given time.
Use Graham's law of diffusion, which states that the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass, implying that lighter molecules move faster and diffuse more quickly.
Conclude that since molecular speed increases, the rate of diffusion also increases because molecules collide and spread out more rapidly.
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